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Better Lives Podcast with Central Willamette
As a community focused credit union, Central Willamette is excited to further our community involvement by starting a podcast meant for YOU! Better Lives with Central Willamette is your go-to resource for all things finance. Join us as we explore topics like budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, and more. Our insightful discussions will empower you to make informed financial decisions and keep you on top of local news and events, so we can keep Building Better Lives Together.
Episodes
31 episodes
How to Recognize and Avoid Common Scams with Tyler and John
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and it’s easier than ever to get caught off guard. In this episode, Tyler and John from CWCU break down the most common scams they’re seeing right now, how they work, and the red flags to watch for...
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14:44
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The Money Reset: The Wake-Up Call
In the first episode of our new Money Reset series, Kaitlin and Michelle talk about the moment many people experience, the financial “wake up call.”
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8:49
How the LBCC Foundation and CWCU Help Students Succeed
In this episode of The Better Lives Podcast, we introduce CWCU’s new Roadrunner Debit Card in partnership with the LBCC Foundation and explore how it will support students at Linn-Benton Community College. Joined by Executive Direct...
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29:14
Dividing Responsibilities Without Resentment
In this episode, we talk about the invisible job of managing money and responsibilities at home and why one person often carries more of the mental load. We share why it happens, how resentment can build, and what simple changes can help ...
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10:27
Why Your Raise Doesn't Feel Like a Raise
You got a raise… so why doesn’t it feel like one? This episode breaks down lifestyle inflation, the sneaky ways spending rises with income, and what you can do to enjoy your raise without feeling stuck in the same financial place.
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9:16
Should You Refinance? With Sue Wack
With interest rates beginning to shift, many homeowners are wondering if now is the right time to refinance. In this episode, Michelle and Kaitlin sit down with Sue Wack, Mortgage Loan Originator at Central Willamette Credit Union, to break dow...
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15:57
Decoding Interest Rates with Alex Singletary
Join hosts Kaitlin and Michelle as they sit down with Alex Singletary, Mortgage Loan Originator at Central Willamette Credit Union. In this episode we will discuss home interest rates and what buyers can do to be prepared for changing rates in ...
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18:57
Making the Most of Your Money This Holiday with Kellie Marshall
Bonus Episode!We’re dropping a special episode outside our usual schedule! Kaitlin and Michelle are joined by Eugene Branch Manager Kellie Marshall to share practical tips for making the most of your money this holiday season.
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22:37
Budgeting for the Holidays
This episode of the Better Lives Podcast explores how to enjoy the holiday season without overspending. The hosts break down a simple three-step budgeting plan, smart ways to save, and creative gift ideas that won’t strain your wallet. Lea...
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9:40
International Fraud Awareness Week: Common Scams
In this special International Fraud Awareness Week episode, hosts Kaitlin and Michelle break down today’s most common scams, including impersonation, phishing, and new AI-driven fraud, sharing practical tips to help you and your loved ones stay...
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20:10
Leading with Purpose: Helen Higgins on Growing BGC Corvallis
Helen Higgins, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, joins us to share her leadership journey and the Club’s mission to create opportunities, support families, and build a sense of community for local kids.
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50:31
Wellness Program with Keri Elrich
Erik sits down with Lending Specialist Keri Elrich to talk all things wellness! Learn how Central Willamette Credit Union's Wellness Program supports employees, adds fun to healthy living, and what new initiatives are on the way.
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16:26
Guiding the Way: Oregon Coast Community College Student Support Team
In this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, we sit down with Tracy Jones and Ben Kaufman from Oregon Coast Community College’s Student Support Team. Discover how OCCC helps students and families access vital resources like food, housing, finan...
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28:33
Leading with Experience: Amellio Carney's Credit Union Journey
In this episode of The Better Lives Podcast, we talk with Amellio Carney, Branch Manager of Central Willamette Credit Union’s Salem Lancaster branch. Amellio shares how his journey through banking led him to discover the power of putti...
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24:05
Conversations with Community Engagement
Join hosts Kaitlin and Erik as they chat with Rebecca, Senior Manager Community Engagement about what the CE team does for the credit union, and the wonderful initiatives that they are involved in.
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Episode 16
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18:55
Side Hustle Success - Turning Your Car into Cash
On this episode, your hosts reveal how your car can be a money-making machine! Discover various ways to earn extra income through ridesharing, delivery apps, car rentals, and even car advertising.
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Episode 15
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12:45
Building a Better Credit Score
This episode of the Better Lives Podcast will introduce credit scores, explaining their importance and offering practical tips for improvement. Key topics include payment history, credit utilization, strategies for building credit, and common m...
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Episode 14
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11:28
The Dial a Bus Experience
Host Rebecca continues her Dial a Bus series, this time meeting with a driver and 2 riders. She gets to know them and their stories, and learns what an immense blessing to Benton county that Dial a Bus is.
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Episode 13
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25:57
Dial a Bus with Director Steven Harder
Join host Rebecca as she interviews the Executive Director and Social Media Coordinator for Dial a Bus, a non-profit in Benton County that provides transportation services to seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved children and famil...
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Episode 12
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32:58
Stand by Me
On today's episode, join us and guests Alicia and Melea to explore $tand By Me – Oregon, a program offering free one-on-one financial coaching. Learn how it helps individuals and families boost their financial health by mast...
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Episode 11
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16:18
Vacation Planning on a Budget
This episode of the Better Lives Podcast focuses on making your vacation budget go further. It covers essential steps like creating a detailed budget, scoring deals on flights and accommodation, and saving money on the go through smart packing ...
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13:03
The Real Cost of Convenience
On this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, hosts Kaitlin and Erik are joined by Michelle to discuss how everyday conveniences, like delivery apps and pre-made meals, secretly add up in your budget. They show how these small costs impact your ...
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10:49
Ask Joshua Pairan: Your First Home Buying Questions Answered
For this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, join us as we tackle your biggest questions about buying your first home! Central Willamette's Director of Real Estate, Joshua Pairan, shares essential groundwork tips, details about our mortgage pr...
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22:37